Anthony Joshua demonstrated his admiration for YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul four years ago during their initial encounter in Dubai. At that time, Paul was gaining recognition in the boxing world following his victory over former UFC champion Anderson Silva and decided to enjoy a break in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Joshua, who was in Dubai for training and leisure, spent time with Paul, including training with Joshua’s friend Lawrence Okolie and engaging in a game of laser tag.
In an interview with IFL TV a year before their meeting, Joshua praised Paul for his commitment to boxing despite having no amateur experience, acknowledging the value of putting oneself in challenging situations to learn and grow in the sport. Paul, reflecting on the positive feedback he received from boxing legends like Roy Jones Jr., Evander Holyfield, and Tyson Fury, emphasized the significance of earning respect from peers in the industry.
Recently, discussions have emerged about a potential matchup between Joshua and Paul, with both fighters teasing a fight in 2026 through social media posts. Initially targeted for late 2026, Paul’s promoter Nakisa Bidarian hinted at the possibility of the bout happening sooner than expected after engaging in talks with Eddie Hearn.
Bidarian expressed confidence in the fight materializing, citing the contrasting experiences of the two fighters and the potential for an intriguing matchup. While initially aiming for a 2026 showdown, the timeline may shift based on Joshua’s recovery from surgery and Paul’s readiness for the challenge. Paul, fresh off a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., is eager to pursue a world title and intends to remain active in the ring, targeting a fight towards the end of the year.
Despite the desire to compete for a world title soon, logistical challenges may delay Paul’s title aspirations, with a potential rematch with Noel Mikaelian and a showdown with Badou Jack on the horizon. Bidarian acknowledged the complexities of securing a title fight this year but remains optimistic about Paul’s future prospects in the cruiserweight division.